Vivek Agnihotri sparks ‘tax religion’ row, VHP seeks apology from director Kashmir Files | Today’s news
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday asked filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri to withdraw his statement regarding “tax religion” in connection with people visiting religious places and apologize, keeping in mind the sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees.
The remarks came after Kashmir Files director Agnihotri reposted a video clip on X of a huge crowd jostling in queues to visit Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand on October 4. Along with the post, he wrote that if only the government could tax religion, India would become the richest country overnight.
“Not because people pay tax. But because they abandon religion and start focusing on innovation, progress, productivity and ideas.
Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand experienced severe, unprecedented overcrowding and massive traffic congestion, driven by the Gandhi Jayanti long weekend and heightened public interest following the release of Hanuman Ansh
“They would finally try to get rich themselves instead of waiting for miracles or divine intervention,” he wrote.
Reacting to the post, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticized Agnihotri for pitting religion against innovation and productivity.
“Why describe the pilgrimages of crores of Hindus as ‘waiting for miracles’ and pit religion against innovation and productivity? Pilgrimages are the soul of India. They are not just places of worship; they are deeply connected to our civilization, culture, social life and local economy,” Bansal said in a post on X.
Banal questions of Agnihotri
He also questioned Agnihotri over his mention of “religious tax” and said the film industry was seeking tax exemption for its films. “The film industry seeks tax exemption for its films, but when it comes to places of pilgrimage, why talk about a religious tax?” he said.
Bansal also questioned whether the remarks were related to the promotion of the new film.
“Vivek ji, did this disgusting thought pollute you for the promotion of some new film? It is the same loyal, religious and nationalist Hindu society that not only made your films successful and helped you grow, but also put you on a pedestal through your films. It is not appropriate for you to play with their deep faith,” Bansal said.
“You weren’t like that! That begs the question: Did someone make you say that?” he said.
Why describe the pilgrimages of crores of Hindus as “waiting for miracles” and pit religion against innovation and productivity?
“It would be appropriate for you to reconsider your words and in view of the views of pious Hindus withdraw your statement and apologise,” Bansal added.
